Frost damaged about 80-90% of apricot crops in Armenia – expert

YEREVAN, April 1. /ARKA/. About 80-90% of apricot crops have been damaged by the recent cold spell in Armenia, head of the agrarian union of Armenia Hrachyan Berberyan told ARKA.

Gusty winds and a temperature drop of 10-12 degrees accompanied the heavy snowfall across Armenia on Sunday March 30. The snow cover was as thick as about 30-40 centimeters in Yerevan. The unfavorable weather conditions led to electricity failures.

Apart from apricot orchards, damage is caused also to cherry and almond trees, Berberyan said.

Mainly orchards in Armavir and Ararat provinces are affected; damage in Kotayk region is not substantial as the trees had not bloomed yet.

The expert said the ministry of agriculture is currently making estimates, but according to his own preliminary estimates the damage to apricot trees alone may reach $25 million. –0--